New England News

12:00 am

Thu June 21, 2012

Springfield Transportation Hub Project Recieves Funding

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Plans to make Springfield, Masscahusetts a regional transportation hub have taken a step forward with federal approval of $17 million for the city's Union Station redevelopment.

The city's chief development officer tells The Republican that the $17 million is the final piece of the $45 million total project.

The Springfield Redevelopment Authority said Tuesday that demolition on the project is expected to start in October or November.

The first phase of the Union Station Regional Intermodal Transportation Center, which includes a bus terminal, is expected to be open in late 2014.

Union Station was built in 1926 and closed in 1973.

The station redevelopment is part of a larger federal project to improve passenger rail service north and south through Springfield from Vermont south to New Haven, Conn.